Floodgate of Sukhna Lake opened, 4th time in 2 mths

Chandigarh, September 30

One of the three floodgates of Sukhna Lake was opened at 6.30 pm today after the water level of the lake crossed the danger mark of 1,163 ft.

Due to continuous flow of water into the lake from its catchment area, the water level in the lake reached 1,163.2 ft.

It was the fourth time this monsoon when a Sukhna floodgate had to be opened. Earlier, the gate was opened on September 21, August 14 and August 9.

An alert was sounded in the neighbouring areas and to avoid flooding downstream, the water was being released in restricted amounts, said an official of the UT Engineering Department. He added that the Mohali Administration was also informed in advance about the opening of the floodgate.

Two of the three floodgates had to be opened in August last year after the water level of the lake had crossed the danger mark and reached 1,163.4 ft and the gush of the water led to flooding in the Baltana area of Mohali district. To avoid repeat of such a situation, the department had decided to release water in limited amounts, said sources in the department.

On September 24, 2018, officials had to open two floodgates of the lake. — TNS